Three Eyre Peninsula projects have been selected as successful applicants for the AgTech Producer Groups initiative.
A total of $324,257 in funding has been allocated to help support producers in harnessing technology for industry-specific improvements.
The initiative aims to increase producer knowledge and understanding of available AgTech solutions in a peer-to-peer learning environment which better supports AgTech adoption.
The successful applicants are from across the livestock, viticulture, seafood, horticulture and grains sectors.
It includes South Australian Oyster Growers Association (SAOGA) and Grain Producers SA (GPSA) and Buckleboo Farm Improvement Group.
SAOGA executive officer Lynlee Lowe said it was “pretty exciting” to receive the funding, which would be a benefit to get the learning of technology out to growers.
“We will use it for oyster growers to learn about some of the ag tech platforms they can use,” she said.
“It will streamline growers’ practices and they will be able to manage platforms like MiShell to their full extent.
“Lots of growers don’t use that tool to its full extent, so it is a good outcome for them.”
Ms Lowe said growers could utilise the MiShell farm management tool to record stock, where it is going and where it is on their lease.
They can also use it for compliance needed to sell their oysters.
The grant will also be used for water monitoring data, with the association to buy probes that will be in the water to monitor water temperature, salinity and other data.
Growers will be taught how to collect the data and what it means for them.
The association will also work with Australian Seafood Industries on its oyster breeding program.
Ms Lowe said they would coincide teaching opportunities with the annual seminar and host three or four workshops throughout the year.
This will benefit growers at Denial Bay, Smoky Bay, Streaky Bay, Coffin Bay, Cowell and further afield on Yorke Peninsula and Kangaroo Island.
Grain Producers SA chief executive officer Brad Perry said it was pleased to have received a grant from the state government to deliver a series of spray forums across five grain regions, with a focus on innovative technologies and best practice.
“Working with ag bureaus and farming systems groups, GPSA will be holding three spray forums on the Eyre Peninsula this year,” he said.
“Each forum will feature expert speakers, practical application demonstrations and provide a forum for grain producers, agronomists and other stakeholders involved in the agrichemical application process to share knowledge and on-the-ground experience.
“Through the project, GPSA will be providing education and awareness on agrichemical application, as well as exploring some of the latest technologies being adopted both in Australia and globally.”
Mr Perry said 15 spray forums would be held across the state between June and September, an outcome from feedback received following its spray forum at Freeling earlier this year.
Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven said the program aimed to demystify AgTech and help producers make the most out of the technologies available to their farm enterprises.
“This new initiative was based on the success of the Red Meat and Wool Growth Program Producer Groups that led to 75 per cent of participating producers implementing changes to their on-farm operations,” she said.
“Organisations across all primary production sectors will now benefit through the peer-to-peer environment, supported by AgTech experts to enhance their knowledge, and guide them through available options to improve efficiency and profitability.”
